Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 10: The 16th annual Gangbal yatra, organized by the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust, began today from the Naranag base camp in Ganderbal district.
DC Ganderbal, Shyambir, accompanied by SSP Ganderbal, officially flagged off the yatra early in the morning. The pilgrims reached Gangbal, located at an altitude of 14,500 feet, by evening.
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On the occasion, a special puja was held at the base camp before the pilgrims set off towards Gangbal Lake, known for offering ritual prayers for ancestors and deceased family members.
Kashmiri Pandits from various parts of the country gathered at Naranag to take part in the annual pilgrimage.
Security arrangements for the safety of the yatris have been put in place, with CRPF personnel from the 118 Battalion, JK Police and volunteers from the J&K State Disaster Management accompanying the pilgrims.
The sacred puja is scheduled to take place tomorrow at the banks of Gangbal Lake.
It is noteworthy that the yatra was revived in 2009 after nearly two centuries due to the efforts of the All Party Migrant Coordination Committee. Since then, the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust has been organizing the yatra annually.
The district administration has made all necessary arrangements, including accommodations, medical facilities and security for the pilgrims.
Several officials, including SSP Ganderbal Waseem Qadari, SDM Kangan and Tehsildar Kangan, were present during the flag-off ceremony.
Director General of Police (DGP) also visited Naranag, where he interacted with officers and received a detailed briefing on the arrangements for the yatra.
The DGP emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level coordination and adhering to strict security protocols to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
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